Regular Events
“The Fragrance of Dhamma”
Sunday Monastic Teaching Inspiration
September – October 2025
9:00 - 10:30 OR 19:30 - 21:00 BST UK time
Please be sure to check which time applies on a weekly basis.
Deepen your meditation practice, understanding of the Buddha's teachings and connection to spiritual community through our Summer & Autumn online programme. These 1.5 hour Sunday sessions start at either 9:00am or 19:30pm (be sure to check each week!) and comprise half an hours' guided meditation, a Dhamma reflection and an opportunity for Q&A.
We are delighted to have a diverse group of well practiced bhikkhunis and bhikkhus to support you on your Path to Nibbana! Enjoy learning together and discussing the Dhamma together whilst supporting Anukampa's resident monastic community on their annual silent Rains Retreat 🙂
Please arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and be ready and relaxed for the session. ALL SESSIONS ARE OFFERED ON A DONATION BASIS: please consider supporting our noble endeavours at www.anukampaproject.org/donate
All times are given in UK British Summer Time.
September (BST)
7th 9:00-10:30 Ajahn Brahmali "We've All Been There: Planes of Existence"
14th 19:30-21:00 Ven Upekkha "Silanussati: Reflecting On Your Own Goodness"
21st 19:30-21:00 Ayya Soma "Religious Buddhism"
28th 9:00-10:30 Ven Pasanna "Wise Discrimination, Wise Inclusion"
JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.
October (BST)
5th 19:30-21:00 Ayya Suvijjana "Developing Mindfulness Accompanied by a Boundless Heart"
12th 19:30-21:00 Ven Canda "The Benefit of Silent Retreat"
JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.
Zoomi Bhikkhuni:
Tuesday & Thursday Silent Sitting Group
Every Tuesday and Thursday 19:15 - 20:00 UK Time via Zoom - peer hosted by Matthias.
"Since December 2021 we have had a regular group of about 20 people coming to meditate in silence together, and people have said that they find it very supportive in developing and strengthening a regular practice. It never fails to amaze me how strongly connected we can be from afar, without even uttering a word - especially when we unite in wholesome (non) action!" ~ Ven Canda
Please be aware that this is NOT a guided meditation session but is intended for those who are looking for a virtual community with whom to sit silently in meditation together.
Please join early so Matthias can let you in before he starts meditating!
JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.
Zoomi Bhikkhuni:
Pali Chanting & Blessings Group ~ Karaniya Metta Sutta
Wednesdays 17:30 - 18:00 UK Time ~ peer hosted by Manori
Join us to chant or just listen to the Karaniya Metta Sutta in Pali, the closest language to that which the Buddha spoke. Every week we offer an opportunity for you to dedicate loving kindness, compassion, and blessings to those who may be in need of support – be they family, friends or those suffering through war and famine. Ven Canda will usually be available and on the rare occasion she is not, a senior Anukampa volunteer will lead the chanting.
JOINING LINK: click archive newsletter here.
Special Events
Saturday, 25th October 2025, 14:30 – 18:00
Anukampa Grove Afternoon Retreat
with Ven Canda
(18 people only)
Enjoy an Autumnal Anukampa Grove during a quiet afternoon of meditation with spiritual friends. Continue developing a strong practice atmosphere in tranquil surroundings from 14:30 until 18:00pm. Please arrive and settle in quietly at 14:00, so we can start with some Dhamma teaching at 14:30pm.
The afternoon will include time for sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma reflections, some group discussion and, of course, tea 🙂
Please bring your own flask or cup, and if you wish, some chocolate, milks and teas to share.
We ask that you kindly consider your plans carefully before booking to avoid the admin that arises from cancellations.
Ajahn Brahm’s “Radiant Happiness” UK Tour
November 2025
Six-years from the last residential retreat, we are thrilled to offer an in-person retreat with Ajahn Brahm, who is generously returning for a second time to the UK this year!
This November, joined by Ven Canda, Ajahn Brahm will be offering a series of Dhamma talks in various cities across the UK, and two retreats in the tranquil surrounds of Oxford. The highlights of this tour is undoubtedly the 5-Day Residential Retreat! Due to the lack of retreat venues and high cost of hotels, we are being adventurous and hiring a Scouts Centre, which involves catering for ourselves. We have found serving on retreat to be extremely strengthening for ones meditation practice and hope that you will willingly participate.
Be sure to register early so you don't miss out on this rare opportunity - we just do not know if an opportunity for a residential retreat with Ajahn Brahm in UK/ Europe will happen again.
Event Schedule (times in GMT, UK winter time)
- Monday, 17th: The Nature of Perception Thames Buddhist Vihara, East Croydon (19:00 - 21:00)
- Wednesday, 19th: Forgiving Ourselves With Compassion at Channing Hall, Sheffield (19:00 - 20:30)
- Thursday, 20th: Opening the Heart to Difficult Feelings at The Old Library, Birmingham (18:30 - 20:15)
- Friday, 21st: Rejoicing in Goodness at Friend's Meeting House, Oxford (19:15 – 21:00)
- Sunday, 23rd – Friday, 28th: Five-Day Residential Retreat: Radiant Happiness, Lasting Peace at Scouts Adventures Youlbury, Oxford ~ waiting list in operation
- Saturday, 29th – Sunday, 30th: Two-Day Non-Residential Retreat: Living in Harmony With the World at Mercure Hawkwell Hotel, Oxford
As ever, Ajahn is coming to the UK to support Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Monastery and her resident Sangha. This year marks another major milestone, as Ven Canda now has two anagarikaas at Anukampa Grove - and there will likely be a samaneri ordination during this tour! To enable us to grow bhikkhunis, your continued support is essential and deeply valued. There will be an opportunity to donate to Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project, to help provide requisites for the Sangha and support ongoing running costs at Anukampa Grove, at the end of each event.
Ticket costs help cover venue hire and other arrangements such as travel and any surplus goes toward our administrative costs. We continue to keep ticket costs as low as possible thanks to the heartfelt efforts of volunteers who offer their time and energy freely as an act of charity and love. If you are unable to afford the full cost of a talk or retreat, please enquire about our bursary fund by writing to bookings@anukampaproject.org
Monday, 17th Nov 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
Ajahn Brahm:
"The Nature Of Perception"
Dhamma Talk at Thames Buddhist Vihara, 49 Dulverton Road, Selsdon, Surrey, CR2 8PJ.
This talk is donation based and there is no need to register– please just show up!
Wednesday, 19th Nov 2025, 19:00 – 20:30
Ajahn Brahm:
"Forgiving Ourselves With Compassion"
Dhamma Talk at Channing Hall, Town Centre, Sheffield.
Forgiveness is very important in our personal lives. When we believe we've done wrong, this manifests as feelings of remorse; and when others have wronged us, it often leads to blame and discord. In this Dhamma talk, Venerable Ajahn Brahm elaborates on how a lack of forgiveness keeps us stuck and limits our perspectives. From a place of profound wisdom, he shines a light on inner forgiveness, its deep connection to our sense of self, and how beautifully it leads to letting go.
Thursday, 20th Nov 2025, 19:15 – 21:00
Ajahn Brahm:
"Opening the Heart to Difficult Feelings"
Dhamma Talk at the Old Library At Zellig, Digbeth, Birmingham.
Out of empathy, we ask one another, "How are you feeling?" In introspection, we ask ourselves, "How do I feel?" Yet, identifying and describing our emotional experiences can sometimes be a challenge. In this Dhamma talk, renowned meditation teacher Ajahn Brahm discusses ways to gradually recognise the full breadth of our emotions, listen, nurture and make peace with them. Even if we feel upset or are unable to express ourselves, we can relate to our emotions in skilful ways that energise us, foster compassion and soften the heart.
Friday, 21st Nov 2025, 19:15 – 21:00
Ajahn Brahm:
"Rejoicing in Goodness"
Dhamma Talk at Oxford Quakers Friends Meeting House, Oxford.
In this Dhamma talk, Ajahn Brahm reveals that how we relate to joy and happiness is no ordinary matter. We might overlook the good times, perhaps not fully experiencing them or failing to allow ourselves to really enjoy them. What's more, we may cling to feelings of delight in ways that create suffering both in the present and future. How can we cultivate pleasant feelings, pay wise attention to them and allow them to pass in ways that uplift the mind?
Sun 23rd - Fri 28th Nov 2025
Ajahn Brahm & Ven Candā: 5-Day Residential Retreat
"Radiant Happiness, Lasting Peace"
at Scout Adventures Youlbury, Oxford.
Guided by Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Candā, this retreat will take you on a gentle journey into the mind, helping you to discover deeper layers of joy beneath the tiredness and tensions that can build during every day life.
With wisdom and warmth, our teachers will show how we might relate to the universal experience of suffering in a way that opens our hearts to ourselves and others, rather than closes us down in fear. Grounded in reality and with virtue as our shining light, a quiet happiness will begin to develop that radiates the transcendent qualities of love and compassion, and that gradually matures into lasting peace.
Set in Oxfordshire’s serene woodlands, this retreat provides an inspiring space to quiet the mind and open the heart. Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike, there will be teachings from the Early Buddhist Texts, silent and guided meditations, Dhamma talks and Q&A sessions. The schedule will be relaxed and flexible and you will have use of the main hall, dining room and beautiful forest.
We are excited to host our retreat for the first time at this venue. The facilities are clean, basic and operate on a self-service basis. You will need to bring essentials like a sleeping bag, pillow, and all other items listed below.
During this retreat you will have the opportunity to serve in the kitchen, helping each others’ practice by preparing nourishing meals whilst also developing essential qualities of generosity and harmony that will enrich your own meditation.
Sat 29th - Sun 30th Nov 2025, 9:30am - 5:30pm each day
A-2 Day Non-Residential Weekend Retreat With Ajahn Brahm & Ajahn Canda:
"Living In Harmony With The World"
at Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel ~ Oxford.
You are invited for a weekend retreat with our wise, kind-hearted teachers, Ajahn Brahm & Ajahn Canda. Nestled in the pretty surroundings of Iffley Village, Oxford, this non-residential retreat offers an opportunity to relax and open the heart to lasting contentment, peace and harmony.
Through the teachers' gentle guidance we will learn to find lasting contentment, peace and harmony within ourselves and by extension within society at large, deepening empathy and compassion. From a place of inner harmony where nothing is left out, we find a natural resonance with others that enables us to interact harmoniously and create more equitable, loving and inclusive societies.
The weekend will include insightful Dhamma talks, guided and silent meditations, Q&A sessions and humour that helps make the profound teachings of the Buddha relatable ~ and even entertaining! Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers a refreshing perspective on cultivating inner balance. Join us to discover how to live in harmony with the world.
Feedback from our June retreat at the Mercure:
"Dear Ven Canda, thank you so much for the weekend retreat. It was perfectly timed with what I've been experiencing on the work and home front. Your final metta meditation was so powerful, I learned what you and Ajahn mean when you use the term "blissed out" 
Thank you for all your care, love, guidance and wise words of advice. I don't know where I would be without them. I feel I can face the coming week feeling refreshed, revived, renewed, and with a bit more hope."
Sun 21st Dec 2025, 09:30 - 16:30
Online Meditation Day With Ven Canda
~ organised and hosted by Gaia House:
"Empathy and Resilience"
Recently, empathy seems to have fallen out of favour. It may be tempting to think that empathy makes us weak and vulnerable in this scary world. But empathy is our basic humanity, and recent scientific studies show it is highly correlated with resilience.
An empathetic and resilient mind creates the perfect space to develop the two wings of Buddhism — compassion and wisdom. In this day retreat, we will explore this relationship and practice balancing a soft and receptive attitude with inner strength and wisdom.
The retreat is suitable for all levels of experience and will include talks, guided meditation and an opportunity for discussion.
This retreat is organised by Gaia House. If you have queries regarding this particular retreat, please contact Gaia House direct.
